Snow blocks invention

ABSTRACT

A boot top guard for preventing snow and the like from entering the boot, comprising a flexible tubular body having annular constrictive means at each end; a preferred embodiment is completely symmetrical top-for-bottom and inside out, so that it is impossible for a wearer to put the guard on his leg incorrectly.

United States Patent 72] Inventor Thomas J. Rubeling Route #1, New Windsor, Md. 21071 [21] Appl. No. 62,956 [22] Filed Aug. 11, 1970 [45] Patented Jan.ll,1972

[54] SNOW BLOCKS INVENTION 1 Claim, 2 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 36/2 R [51] A41b 17/00 [50] Field of Search 2/22; 3611,

l.5,2R, 2.5 R

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,083,373 4/1963 Rizzotto 36/2 R 2,406,090 8/1946 Mas 36/2 R 2,125,451 8/1938 Kolliner 36/2 R Primary Examiner-Patrick D. Lawson Attorney-John F. McClellan, Sr.

ABSTRACT: A boot top guard for preventing snow and the like from entering the boot, comprising a flexible tubular body having annular constrictive means at each end; a preferred embodiment is completely symmetrical top-for-bottom and inside out, so that it is impossible for a wearer to put the guard on his leg incorrectly.

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THOMAS J. RUBELING INVENTOR.

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ATTORNEY SNOW BLOCKS INVENTION This invention relates generally to apparel and specifically to legwear for preventing snow, water, and other materials from entering the tops of boots.

Vast numbers of boots are being worn every year, particularly of the seamless'rubber variety favored as snow boots for young children.

However, such boots have loose tops which efficiently gather loose snow, funnel it down along the leg and retain it. As result, wet, cold feet and legs are the rule rather than the exception when ordinary seamless boots are worn for extended periods by children playing in snow, even in shallow snow. Puddles of water in the playground often give the same result.

Among adults such as firemen, fishermen, and policemen the same problem also occurs. Adults in these occupations typically wear rubber coats which are extra-long to overhang the boots as much as possible, even though the extra length of the coats hampers movement and does not always shelter the boots from entry of water or deep snow.

In the prior art, numerous separate devices have been submitted over the years to prevent entry of materials into the tops of boots. However, it is important to note that today not one of these prior art devices finds acceptance as the standard article of commerce for the job.

One of the reasons why there has been no standard, widely known and accepted article for the purpose is that children, particularly young children, have neither the skill nor the patience to put on and remove articles of the type which require fastening, orientation, or both. Other reasons for lack of commercial success of the prior art devices are expense, cumbersome appearance, awkwardness in wear, lack of size adaptability, and ease of loss, all in one or more combinations.

Objects of the present invention are to provide an efficient snow guard for boots which is easier to put on and take off than boots, so that children can actually put on snow guards earlier than they are able to dress themselves in boots without assistance.

Another object of this invention is to provide an article as described which is capable of being put-on and removed by children or adults with maximum speed with no possibility of misorientation, even in total darkness.

Further objects of this invention are to provide an article as described which is economical to manufacture, is durable, attractive in appearance, easily variable in appearance from one color to another by the wearer, which is size-adaptable, and not restrictive of circulation, which is loss resistant, easily stored, and above all which is protective of the health and well being of the wearer.

l embody my invention typically in a boot top guard for preventing snow and the like from entering the boot, comprising a flexible tubular body having annular constrictive means at each end; a preferred embodiment is completely symmetrical top-for-bottom and inside-out, so that it is impossible for .stantially uniform diameter. Terminating each end 16 of body 12 is an elastic annulus 14 which is integral with the body. Each annulus I4 is the same in design, construction, material and dimension, so that the entire article is symmetrical about the mid-length of the article. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, th interior of the guard is structurally identical with the exterior, so that there is, in effect, no top, no bottom, no inside and no outside. The advantages of this will become apparent.

Each e astlc annulus snugly fits around a specific portion of the leg L of the wearer, including the trouser T and the open top boot b on the leg. The length of the article is made such that the end which happens to be uppermost fits around the reduced circumference of the leg below the calf and below the top of boot B. This arrangement prevents the guard from slipping down, or from being pushed up as by deep snow. At the same time, there is no limitation of motion since the guard does not span any joint of the leg, but there is sufficient protection at the boot top from entry of snow, water, or other materials. It can easily be seen that the leg T of a trouser or snowsuit can be pulled some distance up or down in the course of exertion without uncovering the boot top.

FIG. 2, a side elevation of a guard made according to this invention shows that pleats 18 have been drawn in each end of the body 12 by the elastic members. This is a preferred form of construction for the device, although it will be understood that the entire constriction can be made to occur in the length of the elastic members, leaving the body a smooth tube.

Materials chosen for embodiment of the guard can be very simple and economical. For example, the entire device can be molded as a one-piece unit of rubber, high density polyethylene, or other suitable material.

Optionally, the device can be made of several joined materials, such as a tightly woven water resistant poplin for the body with rubber-threaded woolen cuffs at the ends.

It can easily be seen that however the preferred embodiment is made it can be made economically because of the extreme simplicity afforded by the symmetry and because of the short length required.

Since the fit is elastic and the required length is relatively short, one diameter and length will fit legs in a wide variety of sizes, and over boot tops in a wide variety of lengths.

The short length also contributes a neat overall appearance. It can easily be seen that the interior" of the guard can be made a different color from the exterior, providing a choice of colors for the wearer when the device is turned inside out." However, for maximum simplicity and certainty the device should preferably be the same color or color pattern inside as out, making it impossible to put on wrong even as to color, regardless of lack of time, poor visibility, or other impediment.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

I claim:

I. An article of apparel for guarding boot tops from entry of snow, water and the like, comprising: a continuous tubular body having annular means for constricting the respective ends of the tubular body, said article being substantially identical in inside and outside construction and appearance, and symmetrical about the midlength of the body, whereby the article has the same appearance and function when guarding a said boot top regardless of which end of the article is up and regardless of which side of the article is out. 

1. An article of apparel for guarding boot tops from entry of snow, water and the like, comprising: a continuous tubular body having annular means for constricting the respective ends of the tubular body, said article being substantially identical in inside and outside construction and appearance, and symmetrical about the midlength of the body, whereby the article has the same appearance and function when guarding a said boot top regardless of which end of the article is up and regardless of which side of the article is out. 